Chapter 1

● Chapter 1: Why do we need money?

○ 1.0 Introduction
○ 1.1 Meet Satoshi
■ Activity - 5 questions on money
○ 1.2 Class Discussion: Why do we need money?

Chapter 1: Why Do We Need Money?

"Money is one of the greatest instruments of freedom ever invented by man."
- Friedrich Hayek

1.0 Introduction
Welcome to the Bitcoin Diploma. In this chapter, we'll explore the fundamental question of why
money is essential in our lives. We'll look into the nature of money and its various forms, aiming
to gain a deeper understanding of its significance. Money is something we use almost every
day, but do we actually understand why we need it and what it is? Why do our parents and
family members trade their time for money? Why do some people have more of it than others?
Why is money different in other countries? Why can’t we just create more of it when we need it?

1.1 Meet Satoshi

Hi! I’m Satoshi, an interactive assistant who will help you throughout the Bitcoin Diploma. I will
give you resources and helpful recommendations so you can take a closer look at key concepts.

[Image from BD 2023 page 12]

Activity - Let's start the chapter by answering the 5 questions below:

Consider practical uses like acquiring necessities such as food and desired items. Try to be
specific in your examples, balancing creativity with realism.

Why do we need money?

_______________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________

What is money?
_______________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________

Who controls money?

_______________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________

What gives money its “value”?

_______________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________

What question do you have about money? Write down your question here to share with the class.
_______________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________

Expand the discussion to the whole class, sharing and comparing lists to determine the five
most essential reasons for needing money. Identify common ideas across the class. Reflect on
your individual unique ideas that didn't make the list but are worth considering. Jot down these
additional insights.
1.2 Class Discussion: Why do we need money?

○ Class to split into groups and:

■ Share and discuss their answers on the first 4 questions. Write down
favorite answers.
■ Share their answers on the last question, and vote on 1 favorite student-
question. Write down the result.
■ Class to revisit their answers and questions at the end of the Bitcoin
Diploma

Now that you have a clearer understanding of why money is necessary, the upcoming chapters
will explore what money is, how it evolved through time, who influences it, and the newest form
of it. Keep referring to your lists from this first day in class to draw connections between your
insights and the evolution of money creation, definition, and usage over time.

—-------------------------------- Notes only - Below not in 2024 workbook —---------------------------

○ Notes to designer:
■ Image for the student writing section from page 7 in BD 2023 needs to be
redesigned to include all 5 questions we feature in the first activity in this
chapter.
■ Here’s a sample of that page:
—---------------------------- Notes only - Above not in 2024 workbook —---------------------------------